Manchester Orchestra's Golden Ticket

This was not the typical 21st birthday for a young musician. No crazy drinks, no fancy strip clubs ... in fact, Manchester Orchestra's lead singer Andy Hull was actually talking to his mom and sister just before walking onstage at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis. When I read the news of a Manchester Orchestra headlining tour - I was ecstatic! I saw them once earlier this year and they, unfortunately, played with such a huge line-up of bands that by the time they got started, they were already done. I had tickets to see them here later in the year with Colour Revolt - but, as history has it - the 35W bridge collapsed on my way there that night and I couldn't get across the river. It's hard to believe Andy is turning a mere 21 as his lyrics suggest life experience expanding beyond that young stage.


It's rare that I find an album that grabs my attention and actually holds it for an extended period of time. There happened to be a Manchester Orchestra single on a PASTE sampler I received some time ago and I actually remember glancing over it and thinking - 'Paste put classical music on here?!!?' ... seemed odd to me ... but, from the moment I played that first Manchester Orchestra song, it was apparent that this music product is far from what their band name suggests. I immediately purchased their album "I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child" and I've literally had this on repeat for months. This album is not classical at all - it's one of the most well written pieces of indie rock art I've had grace my ears all year!

Manchester Orchestra has had a busy year. After being listed as one of Rolling Stone's top 10 bands to watch - they accompanied Brand New, Piebald, Colour Revolt, and Kings of Leon on nationwide tours and they also joined the stages at Bonnaroo and SXSW! They traveled to the UK for both the Reading and the Leeds festivals ... AND they even made an appearance on David Letterman! Their live show has often been compared to that of My Morning Jacket, but - in my opinion - it's much better. Andy Hull is captivating during his performance. He was born for the stage and it's obvious the deeper you get into a Manchester Orchestra set. The pure emotion Andy brings to his songs is reason enough to see this band live. In fact, I really don't remember anyone else in the band sticking out during the whole show (except for keyboardist Chris Freeman because at one point I thought he was having a seizure onstage - but realized that's just the way he plays). I really love when a crowd respects an artist or band enough to be completely still during slower songs. At times, the crowd actually sang Andy's words louder than himself ... but, when it came down to the slower intimate songs, you could hear a pin drop as the audience was so quiet and so focused on Andy's intensity. Manchester Orchestra really isn't anything different or new sounding .. but, I think they bring such a unique passion to their music and that alone gets addicting. At times the lyrics seem a little religious but despite this - MO insists they are not a christian band.


Manchester Orchestra formed in 2005 in Atlanta, GA. Drummer, Jeremiah Edmond is actually a studio engineer and has worked on some amazing projects (Bubba Sparxxx to name one). Jeremiah is also one of the founding members of Favorite Gentlemen Recordings - which happens to be the label that MO graces. Andy Hull has also found time to pursue a side project which he calls 'Right Away, Great Captain!' The first album under this pseudonym is an acoustic album which incorporates a storyline about a sailor that leaves his family and Andy wrote it with the direction to be the "saddest record possible". Not many are familiar with this hushed album as Andy doesn't want to take away attention from Manchester Orchestra. He's so humble he even wears his own merch onstage and orders the audience "if you're going to buy one of our shirts - please, don't do that ... purchase albums for the bands we are touring with instead because it's such great music".

I encourage you to take time to give Manchester Orchestra a listen and take a peek at some lyrics. My personal favorite songs are 'Now That You're Home', 'Where Have You Been', and 'I Can Barely Breathe'. During the live performance of 'Where Have You Been', The Annuals ran back onstage with individual drums and jammed along in a drumline-like fashion. It was totally incredible and engulfing. This is honestly one of my favorite live shows of the year and one of my favorite albums. I promise it will not disappoint!

Lastly, the Annuals (from Raleigh, NC) opened for Manchester Orchestra! I was a little distracted at first by the lead guitar player, Kenny Florence - as he bears a crazy resemblance to American Idol singer Sanjaya. Perhaps it was the low lighting or his long hair, but Kenny really did sorta look like Sanjaya. Anyways, Kenny is one of the best guitar players I have ever seen - and, that alone is enough to check out a live Annuals show! Ladies, lead singer, Adam Baker, is quite the eye candy catch at times as well!


*by Jen Panczenko, who is super pumped the Packers won today!

This is not a straight-edge preaching post.

It is, however, one begging you to consider who else you're hurting when you abuse yourself.

I am tired of not being able to sleep. I am tired of seeing people cry. I am tired of wearing black. I am tired of carrying around copious amounts of Kleenex. I am tired of buying sympathy cards and sending fruit baskets for something so flagrantly avoidable.

I am tired of my friends dying of drug overdoses.

Yes, it can happen to you. And when it does, it also happens to everyone who loves you. Think about your parents, your grandparents, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, your husband, your wife, your friends, your children, your colleagues, and how much they're going to suffer because you wanted to have a little more energy to party the night before.

And to those of you who are too scared to call an ambulance when you're witnessing your friends having seizures and OD'ing? Get over it. You can get a slap on the wrist, or you can live the rest of your life knowing you watched someone die. It shouldn't be a difficult decision to make.

With that, I will step off of my soapbox and pray someone sees this and declines a line tonight.


*By Jess, who, on a lighter note, is obsessed with Jay-Z's American Gangster album.

Save the orangutans because they are awesome.

Joelle and I have huge soft spots for animals, and let's face it, I don't have them for much else. I urge you to help the orangutans, because they are awesome, and because they're related to us. Actually, maybe not. I'm trying to figure out if the men I've dated are proof of the missing link or if they completely disprove natural selection. In any case, please copy and paste this (or use the one on the site--I tweaked mine a bit, obviously) and use it to harass your representatives. The site automatically inputs it for you once your address is entered, and they won't harass YOU in return. Sweet deal, right?


As a fan of fellow primates as well as an awesome human being, I strongly urge you to co-sponsor the Wyden-Alexander Amendment to the Federal Farm Bill.

This amendment would make it a crime in America to knowingly import, sell, buy or transport illegally-sourced wood and wood products. Would you sell a stolen car? No, because it's illegal. Same idea, right? In addition:

Illegal logging triggers a chain of events that results in further deforestation, large fires and carbon emissions. This reckless and unregulated logging often occurs in national parks and indigenous reserves, destroying large areas of intact habitat many critically endangered species need to survive. For example...

* Indonesia is undergoing some of the most rapid deforestation in the world, up to 88% of which is illegal. A recent U.N. report declared a state of emergency for the orangutan, predicting the species could go extinct within the next 20 years. Illegal logging has recently taken place in 37 of Indonesia's 41 national parks, some of the last strongholds of the endangered orangutan. These numbers? Not awesome.

* The Amazon Basin, home to a rich biodiversity which includes jaguars, ocelots and macaws, is under severe threat due to the illegal logging of mahogany. An estimated 80% of exported Peruvian mahogany is illegally sourced. This constitutes a grave threat for indigenous people, who often fall victim to novel diseases and violent confrontations with illegal loggers. ILLEGAL loggers: Not awesome.

* In the Congo Basin, the illegal timber trade is associated with the illegal trade in wild-caught meat, or bushmeat, including gorillas, chimpanzees and other protected species. In addition to the risk of extinction for wildlife, the bushmeat trade poses a serious disease risk to the local human population, as documented by recent outbreaks of the Ebola virus and other zoonotic diseases associated with the handling and consumption of bushmeat, which are not awesome.

* In the Russian Far East, approximately 50% of timber harvested is sourced illegally. This contributes to lasting corruption within state forest management and the timber industry in addition to endangering local wildlife. Illegal logging in the Russian Far East has been linked to the future risk of extinction for the Amur leopard and the Siberian tiger, and those risks are not awesome.

The insatiable demand for cheap wood products and luxury hardwoods in the United States, Europe and Japan is driving illegal logging operations worldwide. Yet America has no law against importing illegally harvested wood into the U.S. That is not awesome!

The Wyden-Alexander Amendment to the Federal Farm Bill will give enforcement agencies a powerful tool in the fight against illegal timber traffickers and increase the risks associated with illegal timber trade without creating more obstacles for legal trade, thus leveling the playing field for businesses that already do things the right way. Score one for fair capitalism!

The diverse groups and people supporting this amendment include major industry representatives, labor and human rights proponents, environmental organizations, and Jessica Sager, who I hear is awesome.

It's time to let criminal timber barons know that America won't subsidize their destruction of vital wildlife habitat. I strongly urge you to support inclusion of the Wyden-Alexander Amendment in the Federal Farm Bill and take this vital step to protect habitat for the world's disappearing wildlife.

Thank you for considering my views on this issue, because they are awesome.

Truly,
Jessica Sager

It's a Bitch, Brit

The new Britney Spears is so bad! Poor girl. My whole office is listening to an illegal stream of the album now (ironic as we are a music company) and are just cringing! However, we just put on Spice Girls "Now Return," (unofficial release due 12/07) that got leaked and the first song is cool. Deff. add it to your guilty pleasure list. The rest of the songs are just Xmas, live, not that good, etc. But let's hear it for the long awaited comeback of cheesy pop anyway! I'll tell you my Backstreet Boys verdict soon.



*Joelle, who loves the movie Spiceworld

Independent Music Awards Finalists Announced!

Val Emmich nominated for an Independent Music Award!


"The Only One Lonely," MUSIC VIDEO by Val Emmich has been nominated for an Independent Music Award!


Your vote counts! Go to
http://www.musiciansatlas.com/pages/IMAFinalist/

and vote in the 7th Annual IMA Jukebox Vox Populi



and while you're there vote for Scott & Aimee in the PUNK category!

Mailbag "Reviews"

This is where I actually tell you my thoughts on music that is sent to us before I give it away or throw it in the garbage.

- The Autumn Offering, Fear Will Cast No Shadow: First thoughts? It's not so bad. I actually let it play through several songs and I think I'll put it on again. Why? Because it sounds like Bullet For My Valentine. But then again, why not just listen to Bullet For My Valentine?

Arist and Ruin,The Final Dawn: This lasted all of 5 seconds and I didn't even switch to another track. There is no need for another bad screaming band in my world, sorry. What's up with all the new Victory releases having such dark covers?

So They Say, Life in Surveillance: Well, the first few tracks skipped and wouldn't play. So I put on track 5 and it's OK. Sounds like everyone else with a twist of Maynard. And one of the dudes in the band looks like Dave Grohl. I'll give this one away.

Between the Buried and Me, Colors: I didn't even read the band name on the cover, but I had high hopes from the band as soon as I flipped open the case. The picture of the vocalist singing is awesome. Very Lostprophetish inside. I'm on track one now and thank God some madness came in because the first few moments of the song were beging to bore me! I'm really into the musicianship here and I'm only on track 2.Yay for me giving a positive review to a Victory band. It's been a while. Ok on to someone else, as I'll deff be back to this album.

She Wants Revenge, This Is Forever: I totally only took interest in this band because Michael Patterson produced it and he's a judge for The Independent Music Awards this year. I love it! Very goth. I think my fiance will even listen to this one. My only complaint is that there's not that much of a change-up between songs. Very static, but it's "easy" listening. Check these guys out for sure.



Edition, Demos: Speaking of the Independent Music Awards, there was one band I loved, loved, loved while checking out the submissions and it was these guys and not just because they're British and have a Clockwork Orange vibe. They hooks are so addictive and I had "Liberated" in my head for days. They've got style, they've got class, and they'll have you shakin' your ass. I wish they had more than three songs recorded. www.myspace.com/editiontheband



Blowsight, Destination Terrorville: I friggin' love these guys and gal! This is one of the ONLY bands I've seen live BEFORE being a fan. What's the chance I'd see these Sweedish metalers playing at Maxwells in Hoboken? I hope they'll be back soon because I miss them! I'm very picky about what heavy music I like and I'd deff. recommend this band to all those who salute headbanging. (Wait, I already do that!) The vocals are intoxicating and the music has a real melodic comfort. Maybe even more than I expected. And don't be fooled by appearances, they are some of the nicest people I've ever met and even do a great cover of Ms. Brittany Spears. www.myspace.com/blowsight

Moros Eros, Jealous Me Was Killed By Curiosity: Who are these guys? I never heard of them and it appears they are on Victory. Hmm, I think Jess or Jen will like this band better than me. But I do like the German Shepard on the inside of the album cover. Props, guys. Props. Ok track 2 may get you dancin'! Now I'm taking it off. They sound too much like someone else I don't know because I don't like and shut it o-f-f.

Shane Neville: Um, this is some weird tribal shit right here. The bio says that he is a sound engineer. Well, I'd deff say he has his act together and if you like spacey instrumental, extremely artistic music, go for the gold and get your hands on this.

Ok so what did we all learn from this? Pop quiz next time

Love,
Joelle, who is anxiously awaiting the next episode of Salt 'N Peppa's reality show 'cause they were her fav. in 7th grade (and also sad because today is the birthday of her Golden Retriever, Dusty, who died 4 years ago).

Underoath Tonight!

Tonight the oh-so-cool Underoath will be rockin' the Starland Ballroom! The guys are playing with Poison the Well, Everytime I Die, and Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. I have heard that Underoath is actually amazing live...tonight will be the first time I am seeing them, so I'm pretty stoked! If you missed them at Warped Tour this is a great opportunity to see them without the worry of getting sun burn.

I you were debating whether or not to go tonight...GO! I'll be there! Come out watch a great show and say hi to me!

Starland Ballroom, Sayerville, NJ
Doors open at around 7

* By Amanda who is getting her camera ready!

Organization can be fun

After running late for work one morning last week because I couldn't find the shirt I wanted to wear, I decided it was time once again to organize my closet.

Over the past few months, I've been slowly preparing myself for moving day(once my wedding finally comes). I've thrown out 3 Hefty bags of CDs (I know, I know...), given bags of clothes I never wear to the Salvation Army (and buying new ones!), etc. And now I have a more grown up closet! Things are actually organized into sections: jeans, jackets/hoodies, shirts, skirts, dresses.... And only one article of clothing per hanger! Big step for me.

And let me tell you, it makes getting dressed and picking outfits even more fun because you can actually see all your choices and not just work off your memory and then dig. It's great! I highly reccomend it. Now I just have to make the move and get rid of all my metal hangers!

This organization usually lasts a few months and then I have to go back and do it all over again. But I think I'm gonna try extra hard to make it last this time. Now I still need to find the cute little Heatherette dress I got on sale at Loehman's for $12!!! Ahhh....

Ok, General Hospital is on now. Damn, Johnny Zacarda is so hot. Who else is watching with me, ladies?

* Joelle, who grew up on soaps and named her dog after a GH character.

The Scariest Kids of All....

“We’ve been waiting for this one day all our lives, this is nothing short of predictable…stop holding your head down…” -sksk

On the oh-so-gorgeous August 28th 2007 Philadelphia’s The Fillmore (at Theatre of Living Arts) was taken by storm as Scary Kids Scaring Kids released their sophomore album. This time around the guys took Boys Night Out, Pierce the Veil, and Damiera on tour with them. The show was very well attended by loving fans stoked out of their minds to get their hands on the new CD. Before the show even started people were pouring in and flocking to the merch table to snag a copy of the self entitled album. You could feel the excitement emanating from everyone, with SKSK you can expect great things, the only question is how great will it be?

Both Damiera and Pierce the Veil were shocking talents, I had never seen them before this show and was taken happily by surprise when both bands hit the stage. Damiera (Equal Vision Records) had an established refined rock style that no one could turn away from. Pierce the Veil bellowed throughout the theater with a hard punching more screamo sound that was produced by a unique vocal that caught the ear of just about everyone, they are undeniably talented. Boys Night Out is also a band that I was formerly not extraordinarily familiar with, however, I am now, and I’m a big fan. They hold back nothing, every moment they are up on stage they are making the most of it, interacting with the crowd, jumping around, etc, etc. Their electrifying sound prompted me to buy their album. All the supporting acts at this show are bands that I would go see again in an instant.





“This is our fight for freedom, this is our way of saying…THIS IS OUR DAY…” -sksk

Scary Kids, Scaring Kids. What more can I say…really? They have out done themselves ten times over with this new album. For me, I found this album to be monumental. The obvious maturing and dedication and time and love that went into this album pours out every second that its playing. Their live performance is second to none. They exude energy and pride for their work and appreciation for success in their craft.



At first listen I was hard pressed to find words for those who have yet to listen to it…How can you describe the indescribable? After I listened to it again I was again, left in awe. Their opening “Prelude” leads gently into “Degenerates” which is filled with empowering lyrics with an ultra catchy chorus that left me believing that this may be the new underground alternative rock anthem. Their released single “Faces” is a fun song that basically summarizes the journey of this album, they are finally exposing who and what they are, take it or leave it. There is a song towards the tail end of the ride entitled “Goes Without Saying” which is a complete rhythmic departure from the other sounds and dynamics that reside on this album, but it fits, and it is incredibly well written and very catchy. Another song, called “Free Again” is also really catchy and is empowered by various melodic entities and messages. I like it! I really can not talk about EVERY song on the album…I don't want to spoil it!



This album has rougher rock sounds and then what I believe are more of ballads, the guys have put together a well rounded grade A album that everyone should give a listen to. They have taken their completely organic talent and their deeply rooted passion for their music to an all new playing field, and they are adapting to the new field well. Mixing together hard hitting raw sound and organic emotionally thrashing lyrics, and what’s the product? You get an insanely well produced, bombastic, in your face dose of what REAL alternative rock is supposed to sound like.



As amazing as their album is, their live show on the day of their album release...I can not find words. Scary Kids Scaring Kids is a punk rock alt band that I feel strongly everyone should see before they call it a day.


*By Amanda who is listening to SKSK right NOW.

Leathermouth - the light at the end of CMJ

The last night of this year's CMJ festival in NYC was my first night taking in some shows, and let me tell you things didn't get off to a good start.

On our way to the Knitting Factory to see Leathermouth (the hardcoreside project that propells My Chemical Romance power guitarist, Frank Iero, to frontman), we got caught in two hours of traffic, thanks to Jon Bon Jovi (my high school obsession) and Leanne Rhymes filming in the streets.

Things got even more nerve racking once we actually made it to the Knitting Factory and were told by the burly women working the door (with the signature ghetto-style pulled back pony tail glued to her scalp, I might add), informed us that the venue was at capacity and no one else-- not even those like us holding CMJ badges- could enter. Except, everyone who was a ticketholder or on a guest list entered with ease, as the industry who paid $500 a pop for badges has to wait like sardines behind a velvet rope. Doesn't get more posh than that.

So we took matters into our own hands and got in thanks to Josh from Purevolume (catch that shout out?), who came out and pretended he just added us all to the guest list. Take that, bitch.

Now, the upstairs stage was filled to capacity with folk awaiting Saves the Day, The New Amsterdams (pretty b-or-i-n-g if you ask me), The Color Fred and the like. But the real new music spectacle was taking place downstairs in the Tap Bar. We totally missed Paper Rival, which bummed Jen out, but got there just in time for Leathermouth.

One great thing about CMJ is that we can enjoy the "scenster" music without having to be bothered by all the kids trying to be different but who really look exactly the same. Only a limited number of tickets were sold to the public and everyone else was either a fellow musician or industry member.



I doubt anyone even knew that Iero fronts Leathermouth, because a lot more people would have been there. I'm not complaining though, cause it was a once in a lifetime sorta intimate show (and the band's second ever).

Well, intimate but far from tame. See evidence below. And that's all you'll see cause we didn't want to fight through the Skeleton Crew fans upfront and risk damage to our cameras!



Iero was impressed that fans were screaming along to songs including "Body Snatchers Forever" and noted how "that creepy MySpace shit actually works." But he did offer them some guidance, saying "Don't forget to leave your house and actually live your life." Words of wisdom, indeed.

My Chem fans may not all cross over to this style of music, as Leathermouth is not for the faint at heart. (That means all you Z100 converted fans who are probably not even cool enough to read our little blog, so why am I even typing this?). However, everyone will be more enriched getting insight into Iero's lyrics. Songs about killing the president and sunset meetings with shrinks are what you can expect once the album is released.

The too-short set wraped up with "Murder Was the Case That They Gave Me." It was great to see Iero back on the mic. Even during MCR shows, Iero oftern steals the spotlight, so it's great that he's going to be actually getting the recognition for it now. Be sure to check out www.myspace.com/leathermouthlives for handwritten lyrics, and if you're ultra cool and have a print edition of Planet Verge's feature interview with Skeleton Crew go reminise.

*Joelle, who once again appologises for accidently wacking Frank in the face with a giant lollipop.

What I learned after seeing Shiny Toy Guns

I've been following Shiny Toy Guns ever since they started buzzing around LA, but I never saw them live until a few weeks ago at Starland Ballroom. Going into it, I knew I was either going to love it or hate it. I despise dancey music and honestly, on the CD, I find Cara Fey's vocals extremely annoying on most songs. But a lot of that I now see is done on purpose in the production of the CD. Her words are much easier to swallow live.


And while Cara may be portrayed in press photos, etc as the sexy leader of the band, it's obvious on stage that co-vocalist, Chad Petree, really has that role. Cara spends a lot of time dancing around, playing keyboards and looking pretty. Maybe the band would be nothing without her, but I don't miss it when her mouth is shut(hey I can still look at her tattoos).


As negative as this review sounds, I really enjoyed the show. Sure, I could've left right afert "Le Disco," which they for some reason played third into the set. But it was deff. worth sticking around 'till the end. They're a great band to watch and I'll deff. catch them again. I'm actually listening to the CD more now than I did before I saw them.






This is prob the second or third time Jen saw them and she loved them as always. Here are our clips from the show. Enjoy!



*Joelle, who suggests you listen to London's Sohodolls- www.myspace.com/sohodollsusa - if you like Shiny Toy Guns.

jessicapsule reviews

I have been inundated with CDs in the mail for the past few days, so before I get too behind, here are my humble opinions on each. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm not humble. In any case:

will.i.am, Songs About Girls: I am very wary of someone who cannot spell "tasty" correctly (there is no E anywhere in that word, and if you're that desperate to make a rhyme and rhythm work, you are probably in the wrong profession), but I will admit this album has some decent beats on it, notably the Jackson Five-sampling "Fantastic" and his Snoop Dogg collaboration "The Donque Song." However, his rhymes are still a little lacking and a bit repetitive. "And I'll never leave you never, 'cause forever is forever?" "You're a fly girl, fly girl, fly girl, fly girl, you should be my girl, my girl, my girl, my girl?" Redundant is redundant is redundant.

Enrique Iglesias, Insomniac: Holy crap, he has a "Ping Pong" song. No, seriously. The opening beats are from a ping-pong match. The song itself post-pong isn't bad, but the chorus could be catchier. "Push" features a pretty good beat, but also features a collaboration with Lil' Wayne that just sounds awkward. Enrique, you're a Latin lover and crooner. No matter how low you pull your hats, you will never be a G. This record could be aural gold, but he still will likely never be able to meet, let alone surpass, the pop treasure and insane popularity of 2001's Escape.

Jimmy Eat World, Chase This Light: If Futures and Bleed American have a really awesome baby, it would sound like this. Jimmy Eat World effectively shed the "emo" tag and return with a pure pop rock record that's easily one of the best to come out this year. Opening with the radio-ready lead single "Big Casino," the Mesa, Arizona natives will have you singing along to absolutely every "do do do" confection and heartfelt ballad on this album. Your ears will thank you.

Timbaland, Shock Value: Timbaland gave most of his good beats away to Justin Timberlake and that sell-out Nelly Furtado--remember when she sang about being like a bird? Yeah, me neither. "Apologize" with One Republic is pretty heart wrenching, but it's more because of the vocals than the production, and oddly, the most danceable track is "One and Only," featuring Fall Out Boy, who are the Jude Laws of music--they're in everything this year.

Hot Hot Heat, Happiness Ltd.: Someone must have dumped Steve Bays bad, but ladies, if it keeps inspiring him to write songs this good, please continue to break his heart. The curly-haired Canuck and colleagues worked with Planet Verge favorite Butch Walker on this eleven-track ode to love lost that will have you dancing and pouting at the same time--though maybe it's just me, because my lips are so big I always look sad anyway. "Give Up?", "My Best Fiend," and "So So Cold" are my favorites so far, but I really like everything on here.

American Bang, Move to the Music EP: This album, especially the title track (yes, the one from the Verizon commercial), makes me look forward to my 21st birthday so I can listen to this in a seedy bar and do just that on top of it.


*By Jess, who should be doing a million other things than dancing around her room to these today

Christina's Venting Blog #1: The Cliche of Nashville.

Nashville is full of them. You can feel it in the air, hear it in their voices, see it in the faces of the strangers passing by in Hillsboro Village. They're EVERYWHERE! What are they?...the oh-so-cliche male singer/songwriters.

They seem to start in college. Their stories are all the same: "I liked a girl in college (or couldn't get a girl in college), and so I decided to pick up a guitar and try writing/singing...it was all to get girls." Now, my question is, what happened to pure passion for music and art?

Don't get me wrong, not every male singer/songwriter here in Nashville lacks passion and creativity. This IS music city, and there are plenty of incredible artists here. But for now let me vent on those that drive me insane...and not the good kind of insane.

If you enjoy cliche, unoriginal, pop music that has gotten far too much hype in Nashville then I suggest you check out these singer/songwriters:
Matt Wertz - www.myspace.com/mattwertz
Andy Davis - www.myspace.com/andydavis
Rob Blackledge - www.myspace.com/robblackledge
Justin Kyle Hasty - www.myspace.com/justinkylehasty

Given all the awful descriptions I just gave to these artists, I will admit that 3 out of 4 of them I have or still do listen to and enjoy the tunes...despite me cringing at the thought of how they've merely re-written John Mayer.

Some not-so-cliche singer/songwriters that I enjoy in town include:
Josh Johnson - www.myspace.com/joshjohnsonmusic (song to listen to: "Try")
Dave Barnes - www.myspace.com/davebarnes (song to listen to: "Stay Away")
Chad Harris - www.myspace.com/chadharrismusic (song to listen to: "Ghosts of You" "Could You Please")
Tofer Brown - www.myspace.com/toferbrown (song to listen to: "Candy Hearts")

Ah! I feel better now that I've finally been able to vent. I also included some good with the bad...I'm not an awful person, I'm still a nice girl :)

~Christina V.~

Happy Edge Day!

I've been straight-edge all 26 years of my life and have never heard of National Edge Day, but apparently it's today:

National Edge Day is an unofficial holiday recognized by members of the straight edge subculture on October 17. The first annual National Edge Day was celebrated on October 17, 1999 at the final Ten Yard Fight concert at the nightclub Karma in Boston, Massachusetts. The concert also featured the bands Bane, In My Eyes, Fastbreak, Reach The Sky and Floorpunch. This show marked the end of the 1990s youth crew revival. The early 2000s brought a new wave of hardcore bands, with a reduced emphasis on straight edge.

The holiday was publicly recognized for the second time when In My Eyes played their final concert in Haverhill, Massachusetts on October 15, 2000. On that day, Bridge 9 Records released a VHS cassette telling the story of Ten Yard Fight, with a major focus on their final concert. The bill for Edge Day 2k included Bane, Shark Attack, Killing Flame, Mouthpiece and Ten Yard Fight. As well porcell came out and sang the Project X anthem of Straight edge revenge

Since then, National Edge Day has been celebrated in certain cities, such as Boston.

In 2006, Edge Day was marked with the CD release show at the Cambridge Elks Lodge in Cambridge, MA by Righteous Jams and the last show ever of Think I Care. Other bands that played included Cold World, Colin Of Arabia, Justice, Rampage, Risky Business, and (first show ever) Step Forward.

*Joelle, who got a sXe tattoo on her forearm for her 25th birthday.

Earlimart!!

We all have girl crushes, right?! I mean, there are the big A celebs like Jessica Alba that make me wonder if it's even legal to look that good ... but, MY girl crush - of course - plays music. Her name is Ariana Murray and she's the bass player / keyboard player for Earlimart!

I had the pleasure of seeing Earlimart at the 400 bar in Minneapolis last week and it was great! A simple indie rock sound mixed with Aaron Espinoza's soothing vocals and Ariana's adorable talent put a smile on my face all night long!

Named after a small town outside of LA, Earlimart got its start when frontman Aaron Espinoza moved from Fresno to a house in Silver Lake (LA) with four roommates - one being Ariana! At the time, Elliott Smith lived in their neighborhood and Aaron has been linked to music production for Elliott - as well as The Breeders. Well, Aaron and Ariana started a relationship and the four roommates eventually began the Earlimart music project. Of course, Ariana and Aaron called it quits and the band went their separate ways. Aaron then wrote the "Everyone Down Here" album and it's rumored that Ariana heard it and was so impressed that she set aside their rocky relationship history and rejoined the band! They have been making music ever since!!!


The setting for the Earlimart show was perfect! It was a cool fall night in the Midwest and the entire stage was covered with fall leaves! Strings of amber lights bundled up with the leaves surrounded all of the instruments and Aaron even had a few leaves attached to his guitar! With the stage lights dim - their amber strands set the intimate scene well. There were even cricket sounds that moved the set from song to song. I truly felt as if I were sitting in a backyard. Earlimart is so simple - yet there is something impressive about the way it all comes together.

At the end of the show, I got a chance to talk to Ariana. She's very magnetic! I'm never starstruck but she is so humble and adorable that it's hard not to stop and stare. After saying "you're awesome" a few times - I purchased their new album "Mentor Tormentor" and was on my way. It's really a great disc! Very fun and happy! I still think their single 'All They Ever Do Is Talk' is my all time favorite Earlimart song ... but, the piano on 'Happy Alone' is very pretty and Ariana's voice is angelic.


On a side note, the Chicago band Office opened for Earlimart. I enjoyed them very much. They have a rad chick drummer named Erica Corniel and their guitar player, Scott Masson, plays his instrument upside-down ... rather interesting. Scott also told a funny story about how he ran away from home when he was 14 and drove a car to Minnesota. Haha! Check out their songs 'The Ritz' or 'Oh My' ... it will get your foot tapping.

*by Jen Panczenko, who is currently eating apple pie!

The New Radiohead

So for the past two days my co-workers have been playing the new Radiohead. I think it's really boring. Really boring. Sure, I respect it and I think it's super cool how they are selling it. But I also know two of my co-works didn't pay anything for it (though one says he'd be first in line for ticket sales). So I'm not sure how well this strategy would work for an indie band-- actually I do, they'd make no money. Anyway, rave all you want about the new Radiohead. I was never a big fan and this album certainly didn't convert me. I wouldn't even download it for free.

*Joelle

Tip Du Jour - Act Like You're Insane

Maybe my tip du jour should be the meaning of "du jour" which is "of the day." Clearly, I have an issue hitting these up every day. But, I try... somedays you'll get your tip, other days... re-read.

OK.

Ever walking down a shady street at night and you feel eerily alone and vulnerable? Or maybe you're not alone and sir creepster is checking you out, perhaps about to pounce?

Scary stuff.

What not to do: show fear. What's fear? Looking around wildly, stopping, looking over your shoulder too many times.

What to do: be aware of your surroundings, walk fast, but don't run. Show no fear.

Show no fear? Easiest way to do this - act like you're just a little bit crazy.

Sir creepster is much less likely to bother the fast-walking chica who is bobbing her head up and down happily while mouthing the words to her favorite boy band's latest single. Maybe she's even singing every other word out loud. Perhaps she's sticking her tongue out or making an odd face every four words.

Seems like she's a tad insane, huh? No one wants to crunch that cracker... and, you're safe!

Must Hear Music

My co-workers and I have been getting pretty bored listening to Krock 2 streaming while in the office. I'll admit that it's better than KRock radio in NYC and while you'll never hear Green Day or The Offspring ten times a day, you will get a lot of indie repeats and there's only so much Coconut Records some people can take. So we've been surfing the Internet radio waves via www.web-radio.com and have been hanging ten in the UK.

Our fave. find so far? Virgin Radio. Yea, you can't escape the Maroon 5, but the Brit bands are refreshing and the DJs accents, oh so fine.

Here are some of my favorite discoveries:



The Hoosiers, "Goodbye Mr. A": www.myspace.com/thehoosiers
London lads with feel good indie Pop tunes that stick in your head like peanut butter to jelly. They're on RCA so maybe they'll be touring the US one day, if they haven't already.



Scouting for Girls, "She's So Lovely": www.myspace.com/scoutingforgirls An Epic signing from London. Hmm, I'm beginning to think the major labels oversees are way cooler than the A&R scouts in the US. I actually Googled the lyrics to this song to find out who sang it, that's how good it is. And they got signed on Valentines Day of last year. How cute is that?



The Kooks, "She Moves in Her Own Way": www.myspace.com/thekooks
Ok so I discovered this band before I heard it on Capitol Radio. I love the video. I love the accents. I love the song. They're on Virgin. There you have it. The major labels in the UK rock, the US A&R are too afraid of loosing their jobs to take risks and make radio a better place, and that's why I quit my A&R gig.

Go listen. Now.

Love,
Joelle, who has six minutes until General Hospital comes on! Yay.

I heart indie rock (and you will too)!!

I tend to have a short attention span when it comes to weekly commitments – yet, once in a while, I find something that grabs my awareness and makes me clear my schedule. My newest addiction is IndieUprising!! My friend Erica introduced me to this weekly podcast put together by Sean Duregger. After listening to the first broadcast a few weeks ago, it is obvious that Sean is onto something (and his taste in music is right up my alley)!!


So, Sean - tell me a little bit about how you started IndieUprising. What exactly is it to you and what is your long term goal(s)?

IndieUprising had it’s start as Sean’s Unsigned Rock Show. I have a background in Radio and Video Production, but a career never panned out in either, so I’ve always had an interest and dabbled in both. One day, I had just bought a brand new iMac and started subscribing and listening to various podcasts. The idea popped into my head late one night, to start up a podcast of my own using the format of a college radio show I had called The Underground. So, the next day, I set up a MySpace account, named the show, Sean’s Unsigned Rock Show (inspired by my favorite music video show on Fuse, Steven’s Untitled Rock Show), and I started contacting some friends in bands I knew. The show started to gain the attention of bands on independent labels, so I wasn’t playing strictly “Unsigned” artists any more. After a frustrating brain storming month, I was inspired by a line I heard in the movie, Children of Men. I named the show IndieUprising and now am working with labels like Equal Vision Records, Deep Elm Records and a handful of smaller independent labels showcasing their bands. I still have a large amount of Unsigned artists involved with the show.
IndieUprising is me doing my part to showcase a lot of my favorite bands (but not limiting it to strictly my tastes in music). So many bands bust their asses and never make it anywhere. I’m just doing my part to try to get exposure to as many hard working bands as possible. Independent music is where music is still exciting. There’s passion behind it and it hasn’t been tainted by the Corporate Music Robots.
I really have no long term goals yet. Right now I just want to focus on producing a top quality show. I figure if I do that, the rest of the pieces will fit together. But it would be cool to someday have a team of people involved with the show. I would love to just do this for a living, but have too much responsibility with providing for my family to just throw caution to the wind. I’m just enjoying the ride right now.

The IndieUprising website is packed with movies of the week, numerous album reviews, favorite band polls, recent news/headlines - even a store!! Is this a one-man-show or do you have people to help you with your weekly gig?

IndieUprising is 100% a one-man-show right now. My background in web design and multi media really helps me to easily get a lot of content put up. It all comes pretty easily to me. Some weeks are more productive than others, and now with the new baby here, I definitely have less time to work on things. But, I have a pretty strong routine down and am a night owl, so that helps.
The one bit of help I get is a few participating record labels send me their press releases which serve as most of the news content for the site.

What or who are your own personal music influences and how does that reflect what you choose to play on your weekly podcast?

My personal musical influences are pretty diverse. In High-school I was introduced to Punk Rock by a buddy of mine named Zarrie (who’s currently in a band called Albino Spiders). He and another buddy named Brad were my educators in everything punk rock. We’d go see Dillinger Four every chance we had, and First Avenue in Minneapolis was like a second home to us.
But I expanded from just punk rock to a lot of different types of rock. Right now, the bands that have stayed with me are Social Distortion, Face to Face, Fugazi, Sunny Day Real Estate, The Appleseed Cast . . . I can go on and on.
My musical taste comes through in the show, I’m sure. It’s definitely a Rock show. You won’t find any Rap or anything crazy on there. There’s enough sub-genres to Rock to keep everyone happy. I try to be as unbiased as possible. Sometimes I’ll play a band that I’m not too fond of, but I can’t let my personal tastes in music run the show. It wouldn’t be fair. But, my personal tastes do have a slight influence. I mean, I have to be excited about the bands I’m playing!


What is the most challenging thing about the IndieUprising project / podcast?

Right now, the most challenging thing about IndieUprising is balancing between my wife, kids and my real job. I love to do this show. It’s easy to get caught up in it and push everything else aside. So, it’s a balancing act I have to do in order to be a great husband and father, and I have to be realistic and not let it get in the way of my real job.

What is your “real job”?

My “real job” is acting as General Manager for a Land Development company in Southern California. It’s as un-rock-and-roll as they come. But, it was an opportunity that would allow me to provide for my family and survive the cost of living in Southern California. I work 10 minutes from my house and the office hours are flexible, so it works out.

How do you choose your material weekly? How much of what you play is your personal choice and how much is suggestions from elsewhere?

I don’t really have a system for choosing material every week. I get so many submissions and it boils down to the songs with the best production and best songs. About 75% of the material chosen is personal choice, with the rest coming from suggestions from listeners. I get a lot of bands emailing me and sending me Myspace messages. Sometimes the bands that are most persistent will get on the show faster. But only if they have great songs. I really have to be tough with some of these bands, you’d be surprised the kinds of bands that email me.
Word to the wise, if you want to get onto a radio show . . . make sure you have a good recording! Nothing is worse than a crappy recording sandwiched between amazingly produced songs!

What is one of your most memorable band interview stories? Who has been the most fun to chat with?

My most memorable band interview was with North Carolina band Yearling. I record the interviews using an audio program on my computer. We had a great 20 minute interview, I was extremely happy with how it went. I thanked them and hung up, then realized I hadn’t hit the record button! I was so embarassed. I had to call them up and re-do the interview. It turned out OK, but the first interview would have been amazing.
Alanna from Medicated Kisses was the most fun with an interview I’ve had. She has a kick-ass personality and is an amazing person. I love the band as well, so that helps.

I personally already listen weekly - but, let's say I don't .. Convince me to listen to your podcast - What is the one top reason I should subscribe weekly??

If you want to hear 100% independent music, not shoved down your throat by a Corporate Conglomerate that is only interested in numbers, if you love finding new bands every week, and want an un-biased opinion on bands and music, than this is the show for you!
I’m not the best radio host, I say “um” and “cool” way too much, I’m not the funniest guy in the world. But, I think the bands and the music make the show what it is, and I’m blessed to be meeting so many incredible bands. These bands that get excited about being on my show and submitting music, and the labels that have jumped on board are what make this show what it is. And I’m extremely humbled and thankful that people care enough to check out the show!

Thanks Sean!!!

Click here to check out IndieUprising.net!!! Take a peek at IndieUprising on MySpace and listen every Tuesday on xndradio.com (5pm/PST, 7pm/CST, 8pm/EST) OR subscribe to the weekly podcast of the show (posted every Wednesday)!

*by Jen Panczenko, who's excited for new Radiohead!! :)

Youths Yearn for Yellowcard (how's THAT for alliteration?)

At G-Rocktoberfest, there were multitudes of multi-genre rock being performed, each with their own distinct demographic.

Ozma's audience was the smallest, only because they were the first band to perform and most of the audience hadn't arrived yet.

Shiny Toy Guns appeased the appetites of those craving electrodance beats and Depeche Mode covers. It seemed they suffered from "Everyone Knows and Loves 'Le Disko' But No One Knows It's Us" syndrome.

Blue October performed last to a mostly adult crowd, which was strange when one considers how much eyeliner frontman Justin Furstenfeld applies, probably to appeal to the youngin's, ala Pete Wentz or Billie Joe Armstrong. The applause they got (and rightfully deserved) came from hands wrapped by wristbands, signifying they were all 21 and up.

The biggest, most boisterous crowd reaction was, by far, for third act, Yellowcard. Between the poppy hooks, flashing lights both onstage and in the crowd full of teens and tweens with cellphone cameras, I felt like I was watching one of those crazy anime cartoons that gives little kids seizures--but in a good way.

It was clear Yellowcard knew what kind of crowd they were dealing with--kids have short attention spans. They kept their energy up and gave a killer live performance of a conglomerate of old and new material, from Ocean Avenue to Lights and Sounds to their newest, most mature effort, Paper Walls.

Their maturity is what made them ideal for such a diverse lineup of bands. While Ryan Key sings about adult issues, the band plays melodies and beats you can pogo to easily. The combination earned ovations and cheers from both X-ed and wristbanded hands, and will likely continue to do so until they retire.


*By Jessica, who is addicted to caramel apple cider and needs a nap

Tip Du Jour: Discover New Music

My friends always ask me about music - what to check out and more specifically, where do I get my info.

They think I know bands because I go to a lot of shows, but the truth is, that's only about one-tenth of it. Here's my recommended list of ways to discover music, in no real order as they're all great.

1) Next time you go see one of your favorite bands play, get there early. Check out the openers, at least one of them has got to be great. Then go see the opener play, get there early, find new bands.

2) Pick an awesome venue and pick a show. If the venue is a great place to hang out, there's a reason to go. Added bonus that you'll hear a band play and potentially discover the next Red Hot Chili Peppers.

3) Pandora.com. It entertains me all day at work. You pick the artists or songs you like, it plays those artists and songs and introduces you to affinity artists and songs. Not bad for a music genome.

4) Every now and then, click on one of the band MySpace friend requests you get. Hey, you never know.

5) Read Planet Verge. Seriously, these girls know music! If Joelle is into it, it's got to be good.

'nough ego stroking for the night. Go turn on some tunes.


*JR

Lunch time thoughts

I took a picture with a child molestor. It's been revealed that Lou Pearlman, the fat man behind the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync and LFO forced himself on a young Nick Carter, among others. I met Lou back in '98 in at a party for Teen People magazine and thought he was cool. Now he just makes me want to throw up the delish chicken quesadilla I'm munching on from Whole Foods.

Nails: short fake tips or sleek and clipped? I'm a nail freak. My fingers must be freshly polished and chip-free at all times. Acrylic keeps the polish on. But it's so hard to file my nails down as the grow every week and appointments are every 2 weeks. It's been a month and I'm covering them up with black polish until I make up my mind. I never liked long nails, but super short tips from the ghetto $15 a pop nail salon that may or may not be operating with licensed pros has sorta been making me happy lately.


LA Ink is so much better than Miami Ink. Gotta love tattooed girls with drool worthy talent.


I'm glad Jess won Rock Of Love. Heather was a 'ho for sho'. But I doubt it will last 'cause of the age difference.


I have to get back to work. Yep.

Love,
Joelle

All I want for Christmas ....

... is a Tenori-On!! Well, pending its release in the States (which looks unlikely at this time).

Japanese media artist Toshio Iwai and Yamaha have teamed up to create a "visual music interface" called the Tenori-On. It's a 16x16 LED switcher with rubber buttons and a similar look to a Lite-Brite (but, I assure you it's much more inspiring). The user composes musical loops and unique light patterns with this new instrument. The goal of the invention is to control "light and sound as comfortably as playing musical instruments or painting pictures" -- Toshio Iwai.

Currently being tested in the London market, the Tenori-On was released overseas on September 4th and runs about $1,200. Hopefully, it will prove to be successful and will make a debut in the USA!

*by Jen Panczenko

Help Wanted Nights

Well, folks, Saddle Creek Records (Cursive, The Faint, Tokyo Police Club, Bright Eyes) has done it again ... an impressive new release from The Good Life! This time lead singer, Tim Kasher has created a music environment wrapped around a unique concept he developed for the new album called 'Help Wanted Nights'. Tim started writing a screenplay in 2006 and initially wanted to create a soundtrack for the film. Front to back - the record takes one through the events in a small town bar (which is the setting for his screenplay). It stays on track with Tim's emotional and narrative writing style - as heard in previous albums.

Since The Good Life released 'Black Out' in 2002, I've been hooked! Tim captures a sentimental approach to life that one can relate to amazingly well. His lyrics are so truthful and his voice so passionate - it's addicting at times. I wondered if that would come across so boldly in a live show - thus, I checked them out for the first time on Thursday when they played at The Triple Rock in MInneapolis.


The Good Life isn't the most energetic bunch of musicians live, but Tim's voice makes up for it. Also, bass player Stefanie Drootin's adorable style makes me want to hug her. Most of the songs came across more mellow live but, when it came time to rock out, the band became incredibly entertaining. Tim jumped down into the crowd during the last song with just his acoustic guitar ... unplugged ... and pure genius. Engulfed in the moment, the audience was speechless.

*by Jen Panczenko, who also enjoys Tim Kasher's other project Cursive.

Tip Du Jour: Make Your Own Time Zone

It's currently 11:30 at night in my bedroom.

When I walk into the kitchen, the time is 10:46.

I'm a little bit extreme with setting my clock ahead. It's a mental thing. I know that my clock is fast, but train myself to forget that it is actually 44 minutes fast. Consequently, I'm usually on time because I think I must be somewhat late... you think I'm crazy? I am, just a little bit.

You probably shouldn't attempt to be 44 minutes ahead of the game, that's a tactic for the advanced (slightly nuts) time-jumper. But, why don't you try giving yourself an extra six to twelve minutes? You may be pleasantly surprised when you find yourself ready for work with enough time to get starbucks and still not be late.

And why go by the rotation of the Earth? Follow your own rotation.


*JR

Tip Du Jour: Tone Your Ass in Seconds A Day!

Do I sound like an infomercial today? I wouldn't say that all of those extended 2 am commercials aren't true - with three easy payments of $29.95 you can have the ass-toner-jiggle-fat-off machine and have a fabulous ass in no time at all!

Possibly true, but why spend nearly $100 to figure it out?

This is what I do while I'm waiting for my laundry to dry. Seriously. There's three minutes left on my dryer and rather than wait in the chaotic laundromat, I take a step outside and I pounce. Roll onto your tip-toes, squeeze your butt tight, repeat. Roll up, squeeze, repeat.

Three minutes later my laundry is dry and my ass and calves are better for it.

You can do these calf-raises while you're brushing your teeth or while you're waiting for the subway. It's subtle enough that people won't think you're TOO weird. But, even if they did, who cares?

Just remember to squeeze your ass tight, and in no time at all, you'll have everyone else wanting to squeeze it too.


*JR

Free Sohodolls Downloads!

Just weeks after the release of its debut album, RIBBED MUSIC FOR THE NUMB GENERATION, Sohodolls has received an impressive 15 adds for the band’s video, “Right and Right Again,” on national, multi-regional and Internet programming outlets.

“Right And Right Again,” Sohodolls’ lead U.S. single (currently in rotation on KROQ in Los Angeles), declares war on anybody who dares to stand in the band’s path to success – and from the way front woman Maya Von Doll delivers it, you know she’s not kidding around. Obviously, this is no fey electropop band: here’s the rare dance act that can slug it out with the rockers.


They’ve proved it onstage: Sohodolls has a well-deserved reputation for furious, chaotic, in-your-face live performances. The band has taken its act all over Europe and shared bills with Daft Punk, The Charlatans and The Magic Numbers, just to name a few.

NME wrote “If the ultimate purpose of modern rock music is to communicate to how entirely fantastic and prolific at sex you are, then Sohodolls are the best band who ever lived,” calling the London based buzz-band “expert purveyors of entirely perverted and deceptively witty sexlectro.”

See for yourself.




For a FREE download of the Crystal Castles remix of “Trash the Rental,” visit www.sohodolls.co.uk.

Get the latest news on the Sohodolls U.S. promo campaign at www.myspace.com/sohodollsusa and www.audiocrushpr.com.

Since music journalism is a gossip column, here's a blind item

At a show this past weekend, what firearms-monikered local radio personality repeatedly demonstrated signs of social retardation and invaded numerous women's personal space to the point of making us want to sing 1986 Police songs referencing Lolita?

*By Jess, who baked chocolate cherry chip bars today.

Tip Du Jour: Lip Gloss on the Cheap and Awesome

The best solution for chapped lips or unchapped lips that just crave moisture is sold just about everywhere and usually for about $1.

Berry-scents and cotton-candy gloss are all fine and good, but don't hold a candle to the truest, oldest trick in the book.

Vasoline.

Use vasoline on your lips by itself for a smooth, wet look that saturates your lucious lips. Use vasoline under lip stick or colored chapsticks to make it glide on easier and more evenly.

And the best secret of all? Vasolined-lips give the illusion of a bigger pout! That's right, bigger lips sans collagen and for less than a Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee.

So, pucker up and apply!


*JR

Tip Du Jour: Easy Entertaining

Having a party? Sure, you could bake chocolate chip cookies, put out chips and salsa, carrots and dip...

Or you could do something easier and WAY fancier. Guarantee you'll get more compliments on these two party favorites.

1) Berry Skewers

*Step 1: Buy 3 or 4 kinds of berries - blackberries, blueberries, raspberries recommended, but get whatever looks tasty
*Step 2: Buy wooden skewers
*Step 3: Skewer the berries




THAT was so easy, it hardly needed steps....

2) Vodka Gummybears

*Step 1: Put gummybears in bowl and cover them in vodka - all bears should be submerged
*Step 2: Put saranwrap over the bowl and put in fridge overnight

You'll have very potent candy by party time!

Serve 'em up with skewers so people don't get their hands messy!

Project Revolution?

I got passes to Project Revolution this year, but then realized it was an all day event and I couldn't take off work to attend. So I did the next best thing--- gave the tickets to my brother's best friend and intern at my job. After the show, Glenn told me the main thing that ruined it (besides the obvious of Linkin Park headlining) was how mainstream it was. There were little kids with their parents! Unless their parents are young and in the scene, that's just too weird for me. Also, I think this article proves that it's really no longer cool to try so hard to look "punk" because you're really not that different, after all. Where's the Revolution in that? Thoughts?

*Joelle





PNC Bank Arts Center

Review by Glenn Cameron


Skin tight jeans, long teased hair, black and white chuck tailors and thousands of over anxious teenagers roaming an over crowded venue. No, it’s not a scene from the glory days of the Sunset Strip during the mid eighties. It is however, the scene from the Projekt Revolution tour featuring My Chemical Romance and Linkin Park.

Thousands of fans showed up adorning the classic punk rock style of the eighties infused with today’s emo garb. The scene looked like a mix between Edward Scissorhands meets Madonna meets grunge. From what I could tell this seemed to be the youth of America trying to stand out all in one place.

On this years tour Linkin Park played host to a slew of bands ranging from Madina Lake to HIM as well as the pop punk band Taking Back Sunday. The show was an all day event and many new bands had the opportunity to play on the second stage during the afternoon hours.

On the pristine day of August 29, 2007 there were hardly any fans tailgating in the parking lot of the Arts Center. With no doubt due to the alcohol ban instituted only a week before. However, this was still an eerie feeling. One gets used to the ruckus usually found in the parking lot of a large venue before a show.

The crowd was very young and very hyper, running sprints up and down the lawn, jumping over people and wreaking havoc as any other 14-year-old does. They were excited and they were here for the two main acts, My Chemical Romance and Linkin Park.

The crowd was very unresponsive for the first few acts and especially for HIM who played a very melancholy set of “love” songs. It wasn’t until Taking back Sunday hit the stage that the crowd became enthused. Playing to a fairly large crowd of A.D.D. riddled youth, TBS put on a powerful show that captured the mind of even the most restless youth.

As the sun began to fade away, the roar of the crowd began to rise. The next band was to be My Chemical Romance. Playing to a packed house, My Chemical Romance dazzled and surprised many with a powerful live show packed with lights and pyrotechnics. As a band hailing from New Jersey they made sure that everyone there knew that this was their home by screaming “Jersey” every time they had a chance.

As My Chemical Romance finished their set the crowd was pumped and ready for Linkin Park. Past reviews of the bands performances were barley anything more than lackluster so I expected this to be another typical Linkin Park show. Nevertheless I was proved wrong.

The band hit the stage and rolled through hit after hit with astonishing precision. There was tension in the air as well as the roar of the crowd. Linkin Park fed off of this energy and packed their performance with the ferocity of a veteran band. The band left the stage that night leaving everyone satisfied and yet still hungry for more.

Project Revolution is a tour that is bringing the youth of America out and giving them an outlet to be themselves. This is a show for the young and the young at heart. For the MTV soaked culture of today this was a show worth their while.





Bands – Main Stage


Linkin Park

My Chemical Romance

Taking Back Sunday

HIM

Placebo

Julien-k



Second Stage


Mindless Self Indulgence

Saosin

The Bled

Styles of Beyond

Madina Lake

Tip Du Jour: Sleeping Pills

As I sit here in the office, practically still asleep and unable to fully function, I think that the tip of the day need not be none other than what is causing my current funk.

I've tried most of the goodies; ambien, tamazapan, lunesta.

Each works differently for everyone, so you've got to figure out which is your poison. Basically, if you don't need them, don't take them. And, if you do need to take them, don't do it regularly. They are addiciting, despite what the commercials say.

Lunesta: Sort of works, has a really horrible after-taste

Tamazapan: Doesn't really work, but I guess it kept me asleep, once I finally fell asleep

Ambien: Works every time.

Now for the tip of caution. Split Ambien in half. Taking even a half will make you loopy and knock you out. Taking a whole will make you forget that you even slept. And, again, as I sit here this am, I've forgotten 1) that I went to bed last night 2) that I somehow woke up and went to the gym 3) how did I get to work? 4) What should I be doing now that I'm actually here?

Half the pill next time... or plan to sleep for more than 7 hours...

*Jordana (I think you know how I'm feeling right now...)

Tip Du Jour: How to order the best thing on a menu

This one is so easy that I should be ashamed if I elaborate for more than a few sentences.

You go to a restaurant: everything looks great or everything looks mediocre or nothing is comprehendable?

Doesn't matter because you know the name of the restaurant, right?

Guarantee the name of the restaurant is in the title of one cocktail and at least one entree choice.

Et Voila. Your order.

90% of the time, this is the right move. This is the restaurant's signature drink or meal.

It was so good, it got branded.

Order it. Let you friends be jealous when yours is the tastiest, fanciest, bestest.


*JR (who recently proved herself right for the 30,000th time when ordering a Butter Martini at Butter in nyc)

Tip Du Jour - Eat Clean Protein

My mom told me yesterday that she nearly passed out at the gym because she was trying to be "like her daughter" and get in an intense workout.

Her daughter said, "mom, you didn't eat properly during the day leading up to your workout." I'm such a good daughter, right?

Eat energy foods. Eat clean protein.

Clean protein is low in saturated fat and obviously, has high protein content. Eating protein a few hours before your workout should help keep your head on your shoulders.

Examples: plain or baked tofu, chicken breast - grilled or baked without skin (white meat), plain yogurt (watch out for yogurts with high sugar content), skim milk, cottage cheese, egg whites

Great way to get it if you can stomach it - whey protein. Mix it with water, skim milk or with oatmeal for that extra energy boost.


*Jordana - who could use that extra energy boost...

Help our friends out!

Help The Junior Varsity get played on MTVu! They're at #2 now, and we all know what #2 is.

Go here and please vote for TJV - You can do it as many times as you want. And you know you want to do it a lot.

http://www.mtvu.com/music/freshmen


*By Jess, who is newly addicted to banana chips

Tip Du Jour: Thong Shopping!

Ever feel cut off or like you're getting rubbed the wrong way... down there? Is your thong like a thick, painful string of dental floss between your cheeks?

Ladies!!!! You're doing one thing so wrong and it's not wearing the thong in the first place (panty lines are still a big fashion no!)!

When purchasing a thong, put your ego aside. In order to wear a thong comfortably, you're going to need to buy big. Buy your thongs one size larger than the rest of your underwear. If you're a medium, bring on the L and if you're an L, it's time for XL.

Buying a thong one size larger than your normal panties will ensure that there is no digging (which can cause lines anyway, completely defeating the purpose of the thong) and will also let your bottom be in peace, avoiding the tug of war of the too tight thong.


*JR

Tip Du Jour - Random facts have a purpose!

I think I have a knack for obtaining a great deal of relatively random information. While random, much of it is actually quite useful and I'm pretty happy that my brain is a sponge for all the info.

Quick example - one might think that learning about the feeding habits of the whale shark has no relevance in day to day life. Generally, this is true. But, imagine you're on the phone with a client and they tell you they just came back from vacation where they went scuba diving and, you guessed it, they saw a whale shark. You would then be able to use your smarts to say something like, "They are huge, right? But luckily you didn't have to worry since they don't use their teeth for biting!" Far fetched? You'd be surprised!

Today's tip is to learn at least one random fact each day. Random facts are great icebreakers, keep your brain stimulated and when used correctly, can be an effective pick-up line.

So I'm starting this Tip Du Jour on the PV blog to spread the info - sometimes it might be those random weird facts, like that whale sharks eat phytoplankton, but more often I'll shoot for a tidbit that will more easily apply to your every day. Tips and tidbits about relationships, sex, work, money, restaurants, food and entertaining... keep checking every day for the latest and the greatest.

And remember, nothing is irrelevant!


*Jordana

In which Jessica dissects current pop culture phenomena

I don't understand why everyone is bitching about Britney Spears at the VMAs.

Was her performance lackluster? Yes. But what were we expecting? It's been long-established and accepted that the girl can't sing (though "Gimme More" has a sweet beat), and her much-publicized decisions as of late insinuated that she hasn't been operating with a clear head for about a year.

And really, are we done calling the woman fat? Try popping two adorably chubby-cheeked babies in two years before you judge her by her waistline, because given those circumstances, she looked pretty damn good (from the forehead down, anyway--I'm not going to get started on her weave).

Frankly, the most offensive thing about her performance was the spawning of Chris Crocker. I haven't even watched that video, because I'm already sick of that hideous mug infiltrating every virtual inch of the Internet. As a child, I had monsters in my closet who would beg for that douche to get work done and stop giving them nightmares.

I'm glad to know Kanye West, who publicly defended Spears and denounced MTV, is on my team. And I am on Team Kanye. Anyone who can reference both a Prince protege and the brand of gloves O.J. Simpson was acquitted of wearing in one song is my hero. I can't think of a single intelligent rhyme by 50 Cent, who has admitted to seeking to appeal solely to commercial interests. And my team won that battle.

If only the Jets, my football team, would do the same. Get well soon, Chad. And then start, otherwise I'm gonna owe a few guys at work some tip money.


*By Jess, who should be doing a crapload of political science reading.

The Next Mr.A-to-Z

At 6'6" and long, scraggly hair, it’s hard to miss Chris Nathan in a crowd. And once he steps onto the stage, it’s even harder to take your eyes away from him. His voice is raw and true, just like his lyrics. The melodies get stuck in your head, and within the first five minutes of his set the audience quickly sings along and participates in the musical love festival that Nathan has begun.

Nathan has somehow managed to combine that acoustic singer/songwriter sound that so many of us love, with emo, rock, hip-hop, and country. His sound was described by one audience member as “countrymo: it’s country and emo!” Nathan also plays a variety of covers in his set, including Jason Mraz, Oasis, and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song that we all love to sing along to.

As Nathan gets into the music, his hat doesn’t stay on his head long; his hair can’t seem to be confined by a hat and nor can he. His lyrics are infectious, honest, and true to his life, who he is, and the man he hopes to become. Some personal favorites of mine that will be on his upcoming debut album (due out in October) are “The Contender” in which he sings “I’ve been wasting my time, stepping over the line,” and you can tell he means it. Other tracks include “Bonnie and Clyde” where he tells the true story of the infamous couple, Bonnie and Clyde, from start to finish. “Bad Habits”, which we all can relate to in some way. “Stone Me” written by his producer, Terry Sawchuk, rings true to anyone who’s struggled in those oh-so-confusing love relationships that you can't live with but can’t live without. "All Four Seasons" with lyrics and vocals so full of pain you can't help but hurt along with him. “Girl By The Window” is the tune that makes every female wish and hope was written about them. Every singer/songwriter has to have a song for the ladies, right?

Although, you may not have heard of Christ Nathan until now, once you hear his debut album, or catch a live show of his, you will never be able to forget his name, his songs, and that smile that surely will make your heart melt. For more information on Chris Nathan check out: www.myspace.com/chrisnathanmusic

-written by Christina V.- the Nashville PV girl that believes no press is bad press!(www.myspace.com/christinaisawesome)

A Look at What Makes DAMIERA so Damn Good.

In late August the NY band Damiera (Equal Vision) jumped on the join Scary Kids Scaring Kids on a few dates of their national tour. While I didn't have my photo pass until RIGHT before Boys Night Out hit the stage, I did not need to be close up the realize that these guys are amazing. They are a pleasant departure from the cookie cutter power pop punk mess that a lot of up and coming bands are mass distributing. Damiera is made up of David Raymond, Steve Downs, Josh Sparks, and Jayson Dezuzio. They are a band that you should most definitely without a doubt check out, they have a full length out entitled M(US)IC. www.myspace.com/damiera

When I approached bassist Jayson about doing an interview, he was almost as excited as I was...which made me even more excited...here is some of what we talked about...

You guys have such a unique name...Where did it come from?
Jayson: an Italian gaming board (noun) - a place for strategy. the idea fit, as i started with an idea...and had to coordinate the pieces to fit the sound i had in mind.

What has been your biggest inspiration(s) thus far?
the people who have put aside everything in their lives to participate in this group.


What has been the hardest thing to overcome as a band?
finding the right people, again and again. i have turned every stone over countless times now to find the people who have had a part in this band.


Describe your music with one word...describe your sound with one word.
organic



What was it like recording the album you have out now...what was it like going through the whole producing process as well? Jayson, you produced the album, right?
jayson had a clear vision of what we were trying to achieve as a band. though we weren't open to (literally) any experimentation during the recording process, damiera is looking forward to a much deeper recording experience this time around. having jayson in the band, maintains an enthusiasm to record, and we're all very curious to see what comes out of this process this time around.

What do you enjoy more, touring or recording?
making songs is feeling it for the first time, while playing them live is feeling them grow. apples and oranges.

Recently you enjoyed Scary Kids on tour, what has that been like?
we vibed really well with pierce the veil, dear hunter, sksk, and boys night out - we all wished we could have been on the entire trip with them, but the time we had was truly a blast.

If you could be any superhero...which one would you be?
james brown

What do you listen to when you are out on the road? What cd's are you rockin' out to?
blockhead, mew, mos def, the books, norah jones, al green, isley brothers, imogen heap,

What do you guys enjoy doing in your free time?
ha, what?

If you could only play ONE more show..EVER...where would you want to play it and with who?
access community shop in buffalo, ny (capacity 90) with those who wait, spirit of the stairway, counterfit, sleeping girl drowning.


What are your plans for the up coming year?
write. refine. record. refine. play. refine. repeat.

Where do you see yourselves as a band in the next 5 years?
where do you see yourself 5 minutes from now?

Final words... What should everyone know about your band?
we're very lucky to be able to live without address, transient, and artistic. we, extremely appreciative and thankful for the time taken to decide if damiera is a band worth a second listen or second thought.






By Amanda who will be at the next Damiera show in the area...

(and oh- today is my birthday!!!!)